KEEP THE OCEAN WORKING

Working Together for the Future of our Ocean and Economy

We make our living off the ocean, studying the ocean, enjoying the ocean. Because we use the ocean, we need ocean planning. It is common-sense and science-based. Ocean planning is about better data, better collaboration, and practical solutions that benefit us all. It ensures that the ocean—one of America’s greatest natural assets—remains a natural and economic resource for generations to come.

Bill Silkes

Why We Need Ocean Planning

The ocean and coasts are active places, and we’re putting more demands on them every day. Think about it: traditional uses such as fishing, boating, shipping, recreation, and tourism are all changing and expanding, and at the same time we’re pioneering new industries alongside them like wind energy and sand mining. Ocean planning is about thinking ahead and planning for how to make it all work. Otherwise, we put the ocean’s vast, yet fragile, resources at risk. Voluntary ocean planning allows us to coordinate all these uses in a way that benefits our economy, our communities, and ocean health. Ocean planning is a science-based and data-driven process that provides a tool for people and government to work together, share information and solve problems in a way that works for everyone. Ocean planning helps to identify and resolve potential conflicts early on, helping decision makers and stakeholders in both the private and public sectors do their jobs better. This creates better outcomes for everyone, supporting a healthy ocean and vibrant economy